The official start of the 2012 legislative session was held in Albany on January 4 with the Governor’s annual State of the State address. Assemblyman Bill Reilich (R,C,I-Greece) was in attendance and was pleased with the direction of Governor Cuomo’s speech, calling himself optimistic about the new session’s key goals.
“First and foremost, as a Legislature, we need to work toward providing mandate relief for our counties, schools and municipalities,” said Reilich. “Unfunded mandates drive up costs for taxpayers in Monroe County, and we must work to eliminate Albany’s habit of shifting costs down to the local level. We need to remove bureaucratic red tape that is keeping long-term, private-sector jobs away from our state. And it is also time we worked together to create long-term economic growth, the surest tool we have for balancing budgets and keeping taxes low. I applaud Governor Cuomo for working across party lines to help move New York State forward.
“We are starting this new year after a very cooperative and successful first term for the Governor. I look forward to working through this year to bring jobs back to our state, lift the heavy burden of unfunded mandates and sky-high taxes off our counties and taxpayers, and work to move the Empire State forward. This state is struggling under the heavy hand of a bloated government. By scaling back the size and regulatory reach of government, we can ensure another successful legislative session.
“With the start of the legislative session, Albany will work toward making New York State the best state in which to raise a family and do business. The Empire State has so much to offer and, by working together, we can make New York the most competitive and best place possible. I look forward to a successful 2012 legislative year.”